Kids always want to snack between meals. Most of the snacks that kids gravitate towards, however, are unhealthy. They often contain artificial ingredients and sugars, which can be very harmful to a kid’s health and development.

Caring for your children’s diet requires much thought and consideration. Parents should take advantage of snack time by adding healthy nutrients to the snacks. Healthy snacks could even at times be tastier than those processed foods. If you are ready to make the switch, here is a list of some tasty and healthy snacks for toddlers:

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is rich in protein and calcium. It is, therefore, a healthy option, especially for toddlers and kids developing bones. Yogurts that contain live bacteria are essential in assisting the digestive system. When choosing yogurt for your toddler, pick a plain one and sweeten it using fresh juice or honey. Honey is not to be given to kids below one year as it can result in a disease called botulism.

2. Hard Boiled Eggs

Eggs are packed with Vitamin B12, riboflavin and selenium. They are a great choice when picking healthy snacks for toddlers. They also help improve eye health due to lutein and zeaxanthin properties. They are also a good source of choline which is an essential vitamin for proper brain development.

3. Blueberry Banana Muffin

You may decide to ask your kids to help in preparing them as making them is fun. When the muffins are made gluten-free, without nuts or dairy, they get their taste from the two fruits used in the ingredients; that is the blueberries and banana. These healthy snacks might even be tastier over the next two days. The bananas help to reduce sugar and fat.

To make them even healthier, use honey as a sweetener instead of sugar. There is no need to add a lot of oil to make for a super moist muffin as the banana provides for that too.

4. Popcorn

Popcorn is a nutritious whole grain food. Substitute those unhealthy toppings with butter and sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top and you have yourself some healthy snacks for toddlers to eat. You should, however, be cautious when offering your kids popcorn as it can choke.

5. Nuts

Nuts contain healthy fats, fibre and antioxidants. These fats help in supporting children growth. Parents were previously asked to withhold the nuts from children due to the risk of allergic reactions. However, introducing nuts at an early age significantly lowers the risk of any allergic reactions.

Nuts also present a choking hazard. It is therefore important to supervise kids while they eat their nuts. If you want to make the nuts healthier, throw in some dried fruits and whole grain cereal.

6. Cottage Cheese

This type of cheese is packed with proteins; and from it we get selenium, vitamin B12 and calcium. Vitamin B12 facilitates proper growth and brain development, making it a healthy snack, even for infants. You may opt to have the cheese by its self or be creative by topping it with fresh or dried fruits. It could also be used as a bread spread.

7. Veggie Pita Pocket

Most kids find veggies boring. Parents must try and make them fun for the kids so they can be intrigued enough to try them. Get your kids to pick a few veggies such as carrots, cucumbers and lettuce and throw it into a wheat pita pocket. Vegetables contain vitamins and minerals, which are essential for a child’s healthy development.

8. Fruit Smoothie

A fruit smoothie contains a lot of healthy nutrients. You may choose to add a vegetable to make it healthy. Fruit juice is high in sugar and should, therefore, be avoided when making a smoothie. Instead, use whole, fresh elements. Among the many fruits that can be used to make smoothies include berries, bananas, and mangoes.

9. Raisins Snack Packs

These are dried grapes that come in small quantities but laden with the same nutrients found in fresh grapes. Raisins contain iron, which is essential in aiding the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. They also contain plant compounds that protect teeth from cavities by prohibiting bacteria from clinging to the teeth.

10. Turkey and Avocado Roll Up

Turkey is a good source of protein, while the avocado contains healthy fats, fibre, folate, pantothenic acid, vitamin K and C and other antioxidants. You make this roll up by peeling and slicing an avocado, then fling the slices in lime juice to prevent oxidation. After this, wrap a turkey piece around each avocado slice.

Eating healthy is not a reserve of grown-ups only. The children should also be encouraged to eat healthy foods. Your child does not have to go without vital nutrients and minerals. This list of healthy snacking options, which are also fun for kids, should be a good place to start. Know what your kid wants and make a healthy snack out of it.